IBIS Macromodel Task Group

Meeting date: 29 aug 2006

Members (asterisk for those attending):
* Arpad Muranyi, Intel Corp.
* Barry Katz, SiSoft
* Bob Ross, Teraspeed Consulting Group
* Doug White, Cisco Systems
  Ian Dodd, Mentor Graphics
* Joe Abler, IBM
  John Shields, Mentor Graphics
  Ken Willis, Cadence Design Systems
  Kumar, Cadence Design Systems
  Lance Wang, Cadence Design Systems
* Michael Mirmak, Intel Corp.
  Mike LaBonte, Cisco Systems
  Paul Fernando, NCSU
  Randy Wolff, Micron Technology
  Richard Ward, Texas Instruments
  Sanjeev Gupta, Agilent
* Shangli Wu, Cadence
* Todd Westerhoff, Cisco Systems
* Walter Katz, SiSoft

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Review of ARs:

- Propagate name change for working group (Michael Mirmak, done)
- Restructure web pages (Mike LaBonte, in progress)

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New Discussion:

Recapping previous discussion:

- Linear vs. nonlinear simulators

Joe Abler asked why a nonlinear simulator was required at all.  Todd replied  nonlinear analysis 
was used to obtain the channel pulse response, at which point Walter pointed out there are other 
ways to determine the signal at the receiver input pad.

We asked the question: what are we trying to accomplish?, i.e.
	- define a modeling standard, or
	- define a simulation approach in addition to the models that support it?
	
Ideally, we would define a modeling standard that could be used with multiple analysis methodologies,
however - models always make some assumptions about the simulators they work with (for instance, digital
Verilog models predict voltage and time, but not current).

We discussed the use if .xml as the mechanism to define a modeling language.

Arpad reviewed the material at: 

http://download.intel.com/education/highered/signal/ELCT865/Class2_15_16_Peak_Distortion_Analysis.ppt

with the group.  This method uses the channel pulse response to predict worst case excitation patterns 
(as measured by eye closure at the receiver pad).

We discussed different methods for predicting the eye at the receiver pad, and then applying the equalization/
clock recovery algorithms used by the receiver to that signal.

Michael Mirmak asked the question - if serial driver behavior is inherently linear, why would anyone 
use a nonlinear model?  One possible answer was power delivery, modeling driver nonlinearity due to rail drop.

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Next meeting: Tuesday 5 Sep 2006 12:00pm PT